There Is Much Debate Among Scientists About When, Where, and How

question 43

Multiple Choice

There is much debate among scientists about when, where, and how anatomically modern humans achieved behavioral modernity. Some researchers suggest that about 50,000 years ago a genetic mutation acted to rewire the human brain, allowing for an advance in language and other related modern behaviors. Others propose

• A) that drastic climatic changes 40,000 years ago led archaic humans to turn to ritual-a definite sign of behavioral modernity-to explain the unforeseen environmental changes that suddenly altered their way of life.
• B) that the advent of the nuclear family within larger nomadic groups made possible intense social interactions that triggered more complex social behaviors.
• C) a culinary hypothesis, suggesting that Homo's capacity to increase the range of foods in the diet triggered the necessary brain development to make modern behaviors possible.
• D) that instead of a sudden event in Europe due to a mutation, behavioral modernity resulted from a slow process of cultural accumulation within Africa, where Homo sapiens became fully human long before 40,000 years ago.
• E) a hearth hypothesis, suggesting that the most important trigger to behavioral modernity was Homo's capacity, achieved 50,000 years ago, to manipulate fire and thus live in caves and cook their meat.

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Definitions:

External Threads

Threads on the outside of a cylindrical surface, designed to fit into a corresponding part with internal threads.

Internal Threads

Threads located on the inside surface of a hole, designed to mate with external threads on a bolt or screw.

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Precise shapes cut from various materials using a die or mold.

Grade 8

A classification referring to the strength and durability of bolts and fasteners, indicating high tensile strength.